Red Lions pull through; Bombers force rubber

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda drew a superb all-around game from rookie Rome de la Rosa as it subdued Letran, 82-76, to secure its fourth straight finals stint in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

Dela Rosa, son of former pro cager Romeo and a recruit out of San Diego, California, fired 12 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter and helped shackle Letran skipper RJ Jazul on the other end as the top seeded Lions bumped off the Knights to remain in the hunt for a fourth straight championship.

“We’re happy to be in the finals, it’s an invitation we couldn’t miss,” said San Beda coach Frankie Lim.

But second seeded San Sebastian fell to No. 3 Jose Rizal University, 65-72, in the other Final Four duel.

The Bombers pounced on the absence of Jimbo Aquino but had to come up with one big spurt in the closing minutes to beat the Stags and force a winner-take-all match for the second championship berth.

The sudden death is set Monday with the winner facing San Beda in a best-of-three title series starting Thursday.

Nchotu Njei of Cameroon scored a season-high 15 points, including a triple in a key fourth quarter run while Marvin Hayes, a former two-time Mythical Five member, added 15 points to help power the Bombers to their first win over the Stags.

Garvo Lanete also waxed hot with 17 points he spiked with seven assists while American rookie Sudan Daniel had 16 points, 10 rebounds and two shot blocks. Jake Pascual added 12 points and hauled down seven rebounds for the Lions.

It was dela Rosa though who shone brightest for the Lions. “He (dela Rosa) played great, we’re glad we recruited him,” said Lim.

Letran freshman Kevin Alas bucked a sprained right ankle and fired a season-high 24 points as he stepped up for Smart Gilas standout Rey Guevarra, who injured his left ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in their final elimination round game also against San Beda two weeks ago.

Letran mentor Louie Alas said they tried everything to extend the series to one more game but just couldn’t pull through.

“I’m satisfied with the way we played despite the fact that we’re playing without Rey (Guevarra). We tried our best but I guess it wasn’t enough, but I’m proud of my boys,” said Alas.

Earlier, San Beda and Letran pulled off contrasting victories to arrange showdown for the juniors crown.

The Red Cubs, who topped the double-round elims to gain the top seeding, smothered the Jose Rizal Light Bombers, 90-76, to barge into the best-of-three finals for the first time since losing to the San Sebastian Staglets in the championship two seasons ago.

The Squires, for their part, survived the Staglets, 89-84, in the other semis contest.